| Are you thinking of taking up the sport of | | | | done alone there is no one to administer first aid |
| climbing? It is surely an activity that is exhilarating | | | | or get help in case there is an accident. Most |
| and exciting. It's not for everyone as it is a sport | | | | instructors will tell you not to free solo especially if |
| that is physically demanding and not for the faint | | | | you or not an advance climber. There is still the |
| of heart. Climbing is not simply one activity; there | | | | appeal for those who are adventurous. |
| are many different types of climbing and many | | | | Rock climbing incorporates methods of trad |
| times a climb consists of two or more types of | | | | climbing with the use of a standard rack. A rack is |
| climbing. There is bouldering, free soloing, sport, | | | | the set of gear the climber uses to perform the |
| traditional (or trad), aid, alpine, and ice climbing. | | | | climb. The rack is made up of such gear as ropes, |
| Familiarizing yourself with these types of climbing | | | | harnesses and pro (protection). The rack is used |
| will aid you in determining which you prefer and | | | | in different ways depending on the climb. In trad |
| what type of climb is right for you. | | | | climbing it is almost entirely used to for protection |
| Bouldering is climbing over boulders, as the name | | | | against falling. With aid climbing the gear is used to |
| suggests. The only equipment required in | | | | perform the climb. For example, vertical climbing |
| bouldering is usually a "crash" pad to protect you | | | | up a rock face with no holds requires the |
| against falls. While this type of climbing requires | | | | equipment to scale it. |
| less equipment and training than other forms of | | | | Alpine and ice climbing is much different from |
| climbing, there can be risks. Crash pads made of | | | | other forms of climbing. You must be an |
| foam provide a cushion in case there is a fall. | | | | experienced climber to enjoy this type of activity |
| Sometimes a spotter is used who can move a | | | | since it requires great skill and endurance. Not only |
| pad if a climber falls; in essence catching the falling | | | | will you generally be away from civilization for |
| climber. There is no special footwear required for | | | | several weeks but you will be enduring extreme |
| bouldering; traditional rock climbing shoes are | | | | temperatures. For most enthusiasts, ice climbing is |
| generally used. | | | | the ultimate experience. |
| Free soloing is a type of climbing that is popular | | | | Climbing consists of many different types of |
| but more risky as very little equipment is used. | | | | activities. While experience is needed for much of |
| There is nothing to aid your travel up the | | | | it, you can get started by joining a climbing gym |
| mountain or protect you from falls. Since it is | | | | and taking classes. |